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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a later announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request kindness and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.